Kimberly Servello's Embroidery Blog

Kimberly Servello - Pattern Drawer and Embroideress

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Elizabethan Holly Leaf Garland (continued)




The second leaf on the holly garland has been worked in Au Ver a Soie Perlee (#491).  The button-hole edge around the leaf was worked in Gobelins #2125.

Couched #371 gold wire used to create a vein.


The actual size of the leaf is 1-1/2" long.  I intend to add beads to represent holly berries, but haven't decided how I'll do this yet.

The second leaf was worked onto the DMC Memory Thread without cutting the first leaf off.  I'll progress in this way to create a garland.






The second photo shows the beginning of the first leaf, which was worked in Gilt Sylke Twist.

Using a contrasting color sewing thread, the DMC Memory Thread is couched over the holly leaf drawing.  Next, the center of the motif is filled in with corded detached buttonhole.  Both leaves were created in this way.


Someone asked me what I plan to do with the garland.  One idea is to wrap it around the base of a tall candlestick, molded to appear as if it's climbing up the candlestick.  Another use would be to wrap it around the handle of a basket.  Start at the bottom of the basket handle and wrap it almost half way up the handle; just enough to add color, but not so much that it interferes with holding the basket.  The garland could also be fashioned into a tiny wreath.  Or couched onto a black velvet scarf for a unique accessory.  The possibilities are nearly endless....

9 comments:

  1. How much rearranging do you think the memory thread will survived before it starts to break up?

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    1. Hi Rachel,

      It seems very durable. I've certainly been twisting and re-twisting the length I'm working with a lot. I guess we'll find out!

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  2. It's very beautiful! I need to get myself some new threads I see! :)

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    1. Hello Karen,

      I'm glad I could be of service - helping a fellow-stitcher increase her Stash!

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  3. Your work is lovely.
    A real inspiration.
    Thank you for sharing. ;)
    Rose

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rose. The same goes for your gorgeous wools felts! I think they're the softest wool felts I've ever felt (no pun intended).

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  4. I am new to this kind of stitching - ie Stumpwork, etc. In stumpwork, the buttonhole edging is stitched through the background fabric, which is cut away from the outside egde after stitching. But I see in these photos, the needlelace makes the leave a little transparent and that there is no background thread. so how is the leave worked? I would love to have a go at this, as it looks easy and I can teach myself - with your help - two new techniques at once.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Marian,

      Thank you for your interest in my embroidery. My kit includes detailed instructions, as well as all the material you need to create this garland. Here's the link to my kit:

      https://www.etsy.com/listing/116978458/elizabethan-holly-garland-kit

      Happy Stitching and Merry Christmas!
      Kimberly

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  5. I want to see video tutorial abht Holly leave ..I am humbly requestwd you mam.i wanna know your YouTube channel

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